The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has raised the alarm over what it described as a “shocking and barbaric” physical assault on a female House Officer at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), in Sagamu area of Ogun State.
In a Wednesday statement cited by TVC News, NARD condemned the threat to the safety of healthcare workers, warning that failure to address systemic lapses will compel escalation to a regional and national industrial dispute.
According to the statement signed by its President, Dr Mohammad Usman Suleiman, the association alleged that the incident was perpetrated by seven men suspected to be students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, in Saapade, stressing that such action represents a gross violation of human dignity, professional sanctity, and the safety of healthcare workers.
NARD further alleged that the victim, “an innocent, dedicated young doctor, was singled out and brutally attacked following the unfortunate loss of a patient at the Accident & Emergency unit, after being identified as one of the team members that attended to the lost patient.”
The association added that the action “is not only unacceptable—it is intolerable.”
The association emphasised that hospitals are sanctuaries of healing, not battlegrounds of violence, stressing that it is deeply disturbing that doctors, who continue to render selfless service under extremely challenging conditions, including delayed remuneration and overwhelming workloads, are now subjected to physical harm while discharging their duties.
NARD demanded that such acts at the heart of the healthcare system must be met with firm and decisive action.
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The association outlined immediate steps already taken in response to the incident, including directing its members at OOUTH Sagamu to withdraw their services until safety assurances are guaranteed.
NARD further demanded the urgent identification, arrest, and prosecution of all individuals involved in the heinous act, adding that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.
The statement reads, “The Management of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, must take immediate steps to collaborate with security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended and appropriately sanctioned. Furthermore, they must take responsibility for the actions of their students, including covering the full cost of medical care and providing adequate compensation to the assaulted doctor.
“We call on the Management of OOUTH Sagamu to urgently overhaul and reinforce security architecture within the hospital premises. Proactive measures must be instituted to prevent a recurrence, alongside addressing all welfare concerns affecting our members to promote a safe and conducive working environment.”
The statement added, “The Leadership of NARD stands firmly in solidarity with the entire Congress of OOUTH Sagamu and fully supports all decisions taken in response to this incident. Failure to meet these demands promptly will compel escalation to a regional and national industrial dispute.
“We extend our deepest sympathy to our assaulted colleague and wish her a swift recovery, physically, emotionally, and professionally. NARD remains committed to ensuring her safety, dignity, and justice.”
“Finally, we call on government at all levels to urgently prioritise the protection of healthcare workers and enforce strict penalties against acts of violence in healthcare settings. The safety of doctors is non-negotiable. An injury to one is an injury to all,” the statement concluded.
